Tuesday, September 07, 2010

General Petraeus slaps down the bigots

General Petraeus/Protesters in Afghanistan

At long last, persons in positions of authority are beginning to excoriate the bigots in our midst. In fact, just yesterday, no less a person than General David Petraeus, the top US commander in Afghanistan and the man lauded by John McCain as "one of America's greatest heroes," lashed out at the planned "Burn the Quran" demonstration to be held on September 11th by the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida.

General Petraeus said that burning Korans "is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems – not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community," according to CNN.

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan," Gen. David Petraeus said in a statement issued Monday ...

"Even the rumor that it might take place has sparked demonstrations such as the one that took place in Kabul yesterday," he said. "Were the actual burning to take place, the safety of our soldiers and civilians would be put in jeopardy and accomplishment of the mission would be made more difficult."

Terry Jones, the Dove World Outreach Center's pastor, in response, said "We have firmly made up our mind, but at the same time, we are definitely praying about it." Whatever that means.

It seems to me that Jones' ignorant ploy provides yet another example of the false piety displayed by redneck bigots in this country. On the one hand, they tearfully claim to "support the troops," and "honor their sacrifice." On the other, they simply must find vent for the fevered bigotry and hatred that roils their brains. The "Burn the Quran" protest is a clear indication of which of the two sentiments prevails in the right-wing mentality. (And don't get me started on the pseudo-controversy about the Islamic Cultural Center in Manhattan.)

Now that news of the Dove World Outreach Center's idiotic demonstration has crossed the globe, adding yet another shameful blemish to our country's already damaged international reputation, Muslims in Afghanistan, Indonesia, and other places (including the United States) are expressing outrage.

So, score one for the Dove World Outreach Center. They've accomplished their goal of making known their hatred of Muslims. But as General Petraeus points out, the rest of us must now endure the consequences.